As political conversations over the 2027 governorship election continue to gather momentum in Imo State, the Crown Prince of Umudioka Ancient Kingdom, Crown Prince Chidi Obiefule, has thrown his weight behind the governorship aspiration of Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu (Samdaddy), describing him as one of the most experienced and qualified politicians in the state.
In this exclusive interview conducted by Fredrick Njoku, the businessman, former member of the Orlu Local Government Caretaker Committee, and first son of His Imperial Majesty, Eze Dr. Thomas A. Obiefule, speaks extensively on his decades-long relationship with Senator Anyanwu, the controversy surrounding the conferment of the traditional title "Akaekpuchionwa of Umudioka," and his assessment of the political landscape ahead of the 2027 governorship election. He also commends some of Governor Hope Uzodimma's developmental initiatives while urging a peaceful and transparent transition of power when the time comes.
Excerpts:
Q: May we meet you?
A: My name is Crown Prince Chidi Obiefule. I am the first son of His Imperial Majesty, Eze Dr. Thomas A. Obiefule, the Paramount Ruler of Umudioka Ancient Kingdom.
Q: What is your relationship with Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu?
A: Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, popularly known as Samdaddy, has been my personal friend for close to forty years. Over the years, he has become a member of our extended family.
Q: Senator Anyanwu was recently conferred with a traditional title by His Imperial Majesty, Eze Dr. Obiefule. What informed that decision?
A: Yes, that is correct. The honour was conferred largely on my recommendation because of my long-standing personal relationship with Senator Samuel Anyanwu and my position as Crown Prince of the Kingdom. Beyond that, Senator Anyanwu has made notable contributions to the development of Umudioka Ancient Kingdom. Those were the reasons he was honoured with the traditional title "Akaekpuchionwa of Umudioka."
Q: The Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, however, expressed disapproval over the conferment.
A: Yes, their position was that they were not notified before the conferment. I believe there is a clear distinction between notifying the Council and seeking its approval. Notification may be part of administrative procedure, but I do not think a traditional institution should be required to seek approval before conferring honours within its own kingdom.
Q: Is that the established procedure?
A: Notification, yes. Seeking approval, in my opinion, is unnecessary. That may be part of the Council's internal regulations, but it should not diminish the autonomy of an independent traditional kingdom. His Imperial Majesty, Eze Dr. Thomas A. Obiefule, has made enormous contributions to Imo State and Nigeria. He was among the traditional rulers who championed the creation of Imo State. Over the years, he has supported successive military and civilian administrations, many of whose leaders have sought his counsel. He was also one of the few traditional rulers who openly supported Governor Hope Uzodimma's administration during the difficult period of insecurity and the sit-at-home order, despite the personal risks involved. He equally supported Senator Hope Uzodimma during his first governorship ambition under the Alliance for Democracy (AD). Today, His Imperial Majesty is approaching 85 years of age and has spent 45 years on the throne, which is truly a remarkable blessing for Imo State.
Q: We understand that other prominent personalities, including the APC State Chairman, were also honoured during the ceremony.
A: Yes. The APC State Chairman, Hon. Austine Onyedebelu, was also conferred with a traditional title. That is why I find it difficult to understand why Senator Samuel Anyanwu appeared to have been singled out for criticism. Several distinguished personalities received honours that day. It was fundamentally a cultural and traditional event, not a political gathering.
Q: Would you like to comment on the suspension of His Imperial Majesty from the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers?
A: Not at the moment. The matter is receiving the attention of the Imo State Government, and I believe it is best to allow the appropriate authorities to conclude their review.
Q: Senator Samuel Anyanwu recently said that it is his turn to become the next Governor of Imo State. Do you agree?
A: Completely.
Q: Why do you hold that view?
A: I believe Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu is eminently qualified to aspire to the office of Governor of Imo State.
He served as Chairman of Ikeduru Local Government between 2004 and 2007, was elected into the Imo State House of Assembly from 2007 to 2015, represented Imo East Senatorial District in the National Assembly between 2015 and 2019, and today serves as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). These positions have provided him with the administrative, legislative and political experience required for higher responsibility.
Q: But Governor Hope Uzodimma would naturally prefer that his successor emerges from the APC.
A: That is understandable. Every political leader would naturally desire continuity through his own political party. However, if the discussion is about competence, experience and the capacity to govern, I believe Senator Samuel Anyanwu stands out as one of the most qualified individuals to succeed the present governor.
Q: Is your support also influenced by the Charter of Equity, which advocates the rotation of power to Owerri Zone?
A: Certainly. Beyond the Charter of Equity, Senator Anyanwu possesses the pedigree, political influence, administrative experience, leadership capacity and extensive political network required to govern Imo State effectively. While serving in the Senate, he became the first legislator to chair the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges at a time committee appointments were largely based on merit. Therefore, if the governorship is to rotate to Owerri Zone in line with the Charter of Equity, I believe Senator Samuel Anyanwu possesses the credentials and experience needed to move Imo State forward.
Q: What other reasons account for your support?
A: Every region has its political power brokers. In my opinion, Senator Samuel Anyanwu is undoubtedly one of the most influential political figures in Imo State today. Within Owerri Zone, I consider him arguably the foremost political leader. His political reach, experience and influence make him an ideal candidate for the governorship. With the increasing federal allocations to Imo State and improved internally generated revenue, I believe an administration led by Senator Anyanwu would embark on transformative projects capable of positively impacting the lives of the people.
Q: What about Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who is also regarded as a major political leader from Owerri Zone?
A: Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha is an experienced politician and an important political figure in his own right. However, from my perspective, the political platform on which he currently operates is yet to establish a strong statewide structure comparable to that of the PDP. Senator Samuel Anyanwu occupies a strategic leadership position within the PDP, which remains a well-established political party in Imo State. For that reason, I agree with Senator Anyanwu's position that "it is my turn to govern Imo State."
Q: Finally, what advice would you offer Governor Hope Uzodimma regarding the political future of Imo State?
A: My advice to His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma, is to ensure a peaceful, transparent and seamless transition of power at the appropriate time.
Personally, I believe Senator Samuel Anyanwu would sustain some of the developmental policies introduced by the present administration. Particularly on road infrastructure. I believe under, Senator Samuel Anyanwu's leadership as governor, the provision of road infrastructure would transcend the urban centres to the rural communities of Imo State.